Charlottesville

is getting ready to rank in 2025.

Common Questions

About ranked choice voting in Charlottesville.

When will Charlottesville use ranked choice voting?
a plus sign

In the primary election for City Council candidates on June 17, 2025.

Which offices will be elected using ranked choice?
a plus sign

City Council only. Virginia law currently permits cities to use RCV in Council races only.

Why is the City using ranked choice voting?
a plus sign

City Council authorized the ranked choice voting pilot in September 2024, with guidance from the City Registrar and Electoral Board. "Ranked choice voting has been successfully adopted in various localities and states across the nation and has been shown by research to support more diverse candidate pools and improved civility in campaigns and elections," the Registrar advised in a memo to Council. You can learn more about the benefits of ranked choice, as well as common concerns, here.

Is the change permanent?
a plus sign

No. The June 2025 primary is a pilot program. City Council can assess whether to adopt ranked choice for future elections after the pilot.